Health and Fitness

Fitness Journey, Scale and Mindset

A little bit about my recent fitness journey after baby, the scale and the right mindset -

Getting back into a fitness routine after having a baby can be scary, dreadful and sometimes frustrating...or at least it was for me anyway. I found it easy to give in to the “cheat” foods I allowed myself to enjoy during my pregnancy and working out just wasn’t at the top of my priority list. But with my huge struggle with hypothyroidism before I had Mckayla, I knew I had to start making some changes or I’d be right back on my hypothyroid medication and my gut health would be shot. I didn’t want to continue to build a list of bad habits and have it be that much harder to make my way back. Plus, I started feeling symptoms like extreme fatigue, bloating, inflammation, my stomach was gurgling a lot more after I ate, my hair was falling out more than it used to, and I was more moody throughout the day. And for me, when I feel like crap, I don’t like what I see in the mirror, and other areas of my life suffer.

When looking for a new program to commit to, I wanted the workouts to be predominately weight lifting (not cardio based because that’s no bueno for thyroid issues) and a nutrition plan that was challenging, yet doable. I picked 80 Day Obsession, a program by Beachbody. I knew this program would be challenging both mentally and physically...and I wanted to prove to myself I could commit to finishing the program AS INTENDED.

- Workouts 6 days a week for 13 weeks

- No sugar

- No alcohol

- Set eating times (once you get used to it, it’s easy!)

- Easy to customize nutrition plan with foods you like WITHOUT restriction (I actually had a difficult time eating all required food most days!)

Fast forward 80 days (13 weeks). I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was grueling and indeed challenging, but I gained structure back into my life...in fitness, in the kitchen, AND as a mom. I gained more patience and self confidence. I liked what I saw when I looked in the mirror for the first time in almost a year and a half. My body built lean muscle and lost 10 inches...which was exactly what I set out to do. I have more of a petite frame, so these results made me proud. I mean, the moment you put on your pre pregnancy jeans and they’re loose...that might be one of the greatest feelings in the world...mamas, ya feel me?!

I wanted to share these pictures because I think it’s extremely important for other women to understand that the number on the scale is JUST A NUMBER. It’s really easy to allow that silly number dictate your entire day...your mood, what you eat or don’t eat, and how you treat yourself. I’ve been there and I was obsessed. Every morning I’d step on the scale, right after I went to the bathroom and before I did anything else. Sometimes I was happy with the number and some days I wasn’t. And that sucks! It’s like I was a prisoner to the scale and I wanted to break free but couldn’t. I’ve talked to TONS of other women who deal with the same mental blocks when it comes to the scale. Do not let it consume and control you. If you need to, throw that sucker out! I did. I only know how much I weigh because I used the scale at my mom’s house - haha.

In both sets of pictures, I WEIGH THE EXACT SAME. If I had been only going by the number on the scale I would have felt discouraged and frustrated and probably quit after a week or two. This is why I’m a big believer in measurements and pictures...they don’t lie. The scale does!

This leads me to my final point in all of this. MINDSET. Being ready and building the right mindset is a big piece of the puzzle. If you start something for the wrong reasons, for someone other than yourself, or because you feel like you “have” to, it’s going to be a lot harder to make it a lifestyle. I’ve found that having the right mindset is all encompassing to all areas of my life. My mindset did a complete 180 in just a few short months! I made a commitment to myself and stuck with it. In turn, I’m not only healthier from the inside out, but I’m a better mom, wife, friend, daughter and leader. I know I’m talking the talk and walking the walk to be the example I want to be for my daughter, Mckayla. I’m happier person and the hypothyroid symptoms I was experiencing are gone. Good nutrition played a huge roll in all this...nutrition is one of my true passions so that’s a whole other story. Simply put...real food = more energy = LIFE!

This routine has allowed Mckayla and I to become closer and build a positive structure in our household. I love our mornings together...we eat breakfast and then I workout and get some uninterrupted “alone” time as she plays right beside me in my living room. But none of this would have happened if my mindset wasn’t right and I didn’t have the patience to rebuild my mental strength to make this fit into our lifestyle.

And lot of people assume I love working out. I don’t. Haha. But I feel a million times better when I do!! I feel strong. I feel sexy. I feel empowered. I feel like a super mom ready to take on life!

Other stories you may like...

I live in Coppell, TX, which is a suburb right outside of Dallas. I’ve been married to my husband for almost 9 years but he was my high school sweetheart. We have a 1 year old daughter, Mckayla Ryan, and she’s a sassy little firecracker! I was always scared to be a mom, but now I couldn't imagine life without her and I look forward to giving her a sibling one day. I'm a true foodie at heart but I started taking my health seriously and finding new solutions without restriction after battling hypothyroidism for almost 8 years. I thought the life I was living was my "normal." I decided to fight back and come out on top...and I did just that! I have been completely med free for 3 years now and live an energy filled life to finally feel like myself again. It is my life mission to help other women and mommas do the same! My other life passions are all things music, equestrian horse riding, and spending time with family.